Updated September 14, 2026. Written by the Formulerstore.com team at FTA TRONIX INC. in Ottawa. We sell the products discussed here. This is a retailer's feature-based buying guide, not an independent review, laboratory test or benchmark ranking.
The best streaming box for your home is the one that supports your services, television, network and preferred controls. This guide compares five Formuler options from our catalogue, then explains where the GTV, older Dreamlink equipment and an over-the-air tuner fit. It does not claim to rank every streaming device on the market.
Start with the service, not the specification sheet
Write down the applications and services you actually use before choosing hardware. A receiver’s Android version, 4K output or Widevine capability does not guarantee certification by a streaming service or HD or 4K playback in every app. Check each provider’s current support for the exact receiver, region and account. Hardware decoding and certification by a streaming service are separate requirements.
No channels or programming are included with these receivers — they are hardware only. MYTVOnline is a media client for your own lawful content sources, not a bundled television service. A smart TV that already supports everything you need may not need a separate box.
Five Formuler choices by use case
| Model | Memory / storage | Network and remote | Why compare it? |
|---|---|---|---|
| Z12 Pro | 2 GB / 16 GB | Wi-Fi 5, Gigabit Ethernet, BT1 | MYTVOnline 4 with HDR10+ and a Bluetooth voice remote |
| Z12 Ultra SE | 2 GB / 64 GB | Wi-Fi 6E, Gigabit Ethernet, backlit BT3 | MYTVOnline 4, Dolby Vision and Dolby Atmos with compatible equipment |
| Z12 Ultra | 4 GB / 128 GB | Wi-Fi 6E, Gigabit Ethernet, backlit BT3 | Additional memory and storage; MYTVOnline 4 through the official update |
| Z11 Pro Max | 4 GB / 32 GB | Wi-Fi 6, Gigabit Ethernet, IR1 in the standard package | MYTVOnline 3 with 4 GB memory; a separate BT1 package is listed |
| Z mini | 2 GB / 8 GB | Wi-Fi 5, BT1; no built-in Ethernet port | Compact MYTVOnline 3 installation |
Check the product links for current USD prices, availability, condition and included accessories. We do not assume fixed price gaps or that a model will always remain below a particular budget.
Z12 Pro: compare it for a straightforward wired installation
The Pro combines Android 12 and MYTVOnline 4 with 16 GB storage and the BT1. Consider it when its listed HDR formats and storage meet your needs, particularly where an Ethernet cable is available. Dolby Vision and Dolby Atmos are not listed features of this model. See Formuler's specifications.
Z12 Ultra SE: Dolby features and more storage
The Ultra SE offers 64 GB storage, Wi-Fi 6E and the backlit BT3, with Dolby Vision and Dolby Atmos support. The manufacturer also lists internal recording and timeshift. Consider it when those features are useful but you do not need the Ultra's additional memory and storage. See the Ultra SE specifications.
Z12 Ultra: additional capacity, not an automatic speed guarantee
The Ultra has 4 GB memory and 128 GB storage. More capacity can be useful for your apps and recordings, but does not establish a measured advantage in every task. It is not the only Z12 with internal recording: the Ultra SE supports that too. See the Ultra specifications and our buying guide.
Z11 Pro Max: a MYTVOnline 3 option
The Z11 Pro Max combines Android 11, MYTVOnline 3, 4 GB memory and Wi-Fi 6. Do not confuse its standard IR1 package with the BT1 Edition. Compare the remote you will receive as well as the receiver. See the manufacturer's specifications and our Z11 Pro Max buying guide for package choices and setup checks.
Z mini: compact size with connection limits to check
The Formuler Z mini combines Android 12 and MYTVOnline 3 in a small receiver with a BT1. Its 8 GB storage and absence of a built-in Ethernet port are important considerations. Check its power and accessory requirements before designing a hidden installation. See Formuler's Z mini page and our Z mini setup guide for power, remote and connection details.
MYTVOnline 4 also supports the Z12 Ultra
The Pro and Ultra SE are not the only Z12 choices for MYTVOnline 4. Formuler's official release announcement covers the Z12 series. Older Ultra units may still need the update. Read our Z12 family comparison and check the installed version before following a setup tutorial. For menu instructions, choose the matching MYTVOnline 2, MYTVOnline 3 or MYTVOnline 4 setup guide.
Other equipment: different jobs, not interchangeable upgrades
GTV 4K: this Google-certified Android TV receiver includes MYTVOnline 2. Its 2 GB memory, 16 GB storage and Chromecast features may suit a different setup. Google certification is not a guarantee of certification by a streaming service. Review the GTV listing, GTV 4K buying and setup guide and manufacturer page.
Dreamlink Dlite+ 5G: treat this as a legacy receiver, not an automatic recommendation simply because of price. Confirm the installed software and your content source's support before replacing an existing device. The Dlite+ listing explains the older platform and package. Our Dreamlink-to-Formuler comparison covers the software and compatibility checks to make before upgrading.
MyGica A681: an over-the-air USB tuner is not a standalone streaming box. Do not assume compatibility with every Android receiver, NAS, Plex installation or DVR application. Check the exact tuner, computer, drivers and software with MyGica support. Station availability depends on your location, antenna and broadcast signal; no fixed channel count or payback period is promised. Review the A681 listing and our MyGica A681 driver and antenna setup guide before buying.
More model and brand comparisons
- Formuler vs BuzzTV: compare the exact receiver, app, remote and service requirements.
- Z11 Pro buying guide: review its specifications and package choices alongside the Pro Max options above.
- Z10, Z10 Pro and Z10 Pro Max comparison and Z10 vs Z11 upgrade guide: check the older models and decide what you need from a replacement.
What to check before checkout
Network: test where the box will sit. Wi-Fi 6E is not a requirement for every 4K stream and does not guarantee stronger coverage through walls. Consider Ethernet where available rather than buying features you will not use.
Recording: confirm provider permissions, supported destinations and free space. Advertised capacity includes system software. Back up a storage device before formatting it, and do not infer simultaneous-recording support from a Picture-in-Picture label.
Display and remote: match the formats to your television, sound system and apps. Check whether the package has infrared or Bluetooth controls, voice support and backlighting. For Open Box offers, check condition and contents separately.
Prices, delivery and support
Choose the information for your delivery country: buying Formuler in Canada or buying Formuler in the USA. These guides explain ordering, delivery and support. Prices on this store are in USD for both countries.
Formulerstore.com prices are in USD. Free standard shipping to Canada and the USA applies to order subtotals over US$99 after discounts and before taxes. Exactly US$99 does not qualify; eligibility starts at US$99.01. Orders of US$99 or less, optional express services and applicable taxes are charged as shown at checkout. Orders ship from Ottawa; consult the Shipping Policy for delivery and cross-border terms rather than assuming all charges are included.
The store's stated receiver warranty and 30-day return window are subject to the listing and published return terms. For help choosing, contact our Ottawa team or call 613-400-4588. Compare the Formuler catalogue and read where to buy and what to verify before ordering.